Local Knowledge Needed - Shenley Hospital

[kayfr]

I have just noticed your enquiry re: Shenley Hospital.  The hospital was actually in the village of Shenley not Elstree as you have written.  There is also a churchyard in Radlett in which some people from Shenley have been buried.  I do have a book on who is buried in Radlett Churchyard and can look up for you if need be.  The other place that you could try is West Herts Crematorium in Garston, Watford which is not to far from Shenley.  Where I work at the moment have got nurses that used to work in Shenley and when I go back to work from sick leave I could ask them if need be.  I hope that this could be of some help to you.

[Maurella]

Hi

Shenley mental hospital was situated on the outskirts of Shenley village which lies between London Colney and Borehamwood. 

There was a church located on the edge of the village called St Botolph's which was subsequently replaced in 1839 by a new parish church, St Martins located centrally in the village.

The churchyard for both churches is opposite the original Shenley hospital site and can be found next to the old original church - this area is known as Shenleybury. 

At the entrance of the churchyard is a board of names, dates and positions of graves.  I have found relatives of mine who died in the 1940's & 50's who are buried there.

If you have no luck, I don't mind having a look at the chruchyard site when I am next in the area.

Good luck.

[CU]

Thank you so much Maurella for your help and information.

 I will PM you with the information.

[CU]

Thank you Kayfr for your information. It would be wonderful if any of the nurses you know could

remember anything, but my late Great Aunty died in 1951. This may be to long ago.

I really am trying to find out where she would be buried. I will PM you with details.

Thank you your help.

[CU]

I have still not heard from Shenley Church. Maurella tell me, that there is a board of the people

buried at the church at the entrance. Please does anyone live near to the church?

[JLo]

I live near-ish and am happy to go and have a look for you if you let me know who you're looking for.

[CU]

Well heard from Shenley Parish church, My lady doesn't have a marked grave there. I will try and trace where the burial register for 1951.

I have emailed West Herts crematorium in case there is not trace at Shenley.
They email back saying it was not open until 1959.
Hope that may help someone .

[Maurella]

Hi Cath

What a sad, sad story - poor Annie.  I can see why you want to locate her - I would to. 

It is certainly logical that those 'passing on' in Shenley hospital would be buried at the churchyard but it seems as though Annie may be the exception for some reason. 

I think the nearest church to Shenley would be London Colney (built in 1826) or in the opposite direction and further away the small town of Borehamwood.

Another thought .... as the West Herts Crem at Garson did not open until 1959 I suspect the then nearest Crem would have been at Hendon which opened in 1923.  If all else fails.....

Anyway I will keep my fingers crossed that the burial register for 1951 reveals where she is, bless her.

Let me know if I can help in any way.

Cheers
Maureen

[JLo]

Hi Cath
Didn't have any luck finding Shenley parish records I'm afraid.  I keep promising myself a trip to HALs, so if you haven't found it by then I can have a look there. 

I found quite an interesting book on the hospital itself.  As far as these institutions went, it was a 'modern' and progressive hospital set in about 300 acres with a farm and 130 acres of garden.  It opened in 1934 and housed 2000 residents.  It was bombed twice during World War 2.  It closed in 1998.  I can remember there being many stories of residents who "escaped" and would wander around Shenley village in various states of undress.  As with a lot of these places, it is now a large housing estate